Notes:The 1959-D Wheat Ears Reverse Cent is one of the most controversial
coins to appear on the market in decades. Many experts who have
examined the coin are at a loss to explain its existence. Several
experts have stated that they believe the coin to be counterfeit, although
they are unable to give specific reasons why. On the other hand, the
Secret Service has given the coin their stamp of authenticity - on at
least two occasions! The coin was scheduled to be sold in Ira &
Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. "The Pre-Long Beach Auction",
September 23-24, 2002 (see description below), but the coin was pulled
from the auction at the eleventh hour when convicted forger Mark Hofmann
claimed to have made the coin. Subsequent investigation failed to
confirm this claim and the coin was re-consigned to the Goldberg's "The
Benson Collection Part III", February 24-25, 2003, Lot 159. As of
February 23, 2003, no major grading service had chosen to certify the coin
as genuine.